Exercise apparatus

ABSTRACT

An exercise apparatus and method for exercising at least a user&#39;s abdominal muscles is provided having a support frame, a platform pivotally connected to the support frame and having means for tilting the platform relative to the frame between a forward tilting position and a rearward tilting position. A bracket connects the platform to the support frame and includes a friction bearing mechanism for rotating the platform 360 degrees. A resistance element is secured between the support frame and platform.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/961,414, entitled “Pure Abs”, filed in the United States Patent and Trademark Office on Oct. 15, 2013, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated by reference herein.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

This invention relates generally to exercise devices and more particularly to an exercise apparatus having an ergonomic platform, swivel mechanism and selectively controlled tiling mechanism for stretching and strengthening a variety of different muscles.

2. Description of the Related Art

Exercise equipment utilizing cushioned seats or benches are known to provide comfort and support while exercising abdominal muscles. These devices are commonly large, cumbersome, and unable to adjust in a variety of different positions easily. Those that do adjust, require users to get up and reposition the machine and themselves in order to exercise or strengthen different muscle groups. Furthermore, all products currently available lack the versatility to seamlessly isolate all areas of the abdominal and core muscle as well as areas of the back and legs.

It is, therefore, a primary object of the present invention to provide a versatile exercise apparatus that provide an ergonomic platform, swivel mechanism and tiling mechanism for seamlessly stretching and strengthening a variety of different muscles.

It is another object of the present invention to provide a platform with a connecting mechanism that allows the platform to rotate 360 degrees without the necessity of standing up and repositioning.

It is another object of the present invention to provide an exercise apparatus having a tilting mechanism for providing users the ability to comfortably get into a variety of different exercise positions.

It is another object of the present invention to provide resistance to the tilting mechanism that includes a spring that is quickly and easily connected between the platform and support frame for selectively providing tension and control to the tilting mechanism.

It is another object of the present invention to provide an exercise apparatus that is compact and multi-functional and provides the convenience of swivel and tilting mechanisms as well as comfortably contoured support.

It is another object of the present invention to provide an exercise apparatus suitable for supporting a variety of different body parts enabling the user to perform a variety of different exercises to stretch, strengthen, contract and utilize muscles of the body.

It is another object of the present invention to provide a portable, lightweight exercise apparatus that can be used anywhere by people of all ages.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In accordance with one aspect of the present invention, an exercise apparatus for exercising at least a user's abdominal muscles is provided having a support frame and platform connected to the support frame. The platform includes means for tilting the platform relative to the frame between a forward tilting position and a rearward tilting position. The apparatus includes means for connecting the platform to the support frame, wherein the connecting means includes a swivel means for rotating the platform 360 degrees. The platform is able to simultaneously tilt and rotate relative to the support frame.

The platform may be padded memory foam. The connecting means may be a bracket. The swivel means of the bracket may include a friction bearing mechanism having a plurality of ball bearings and a channel for retaining the ball bearings within the mechanism.

The support frame may include a pair of tubular support members attached to a pair of cross members. The tubular support members may include non-skid gripping feet.

The exercise apparatus may include a resistance element for providing resistance to the tilting means. The resistance element may be at least one spring removably connected to the platform and support frame.

In accordance with an additional embodiment, an exercise apparatus for exercising at least a user's abdominal muscles is provided having a support frame and a padded platform having means for tilting the platform relative to the frame between a forward tilting position and a rearward tilting position. A bracket connects the platform to the support frame, and has means for swiveling the platform. The swivel means includes a friction bearing mechanism having a plurality of ball bearings and a channel for retaining the ball bearings within the mechanism. At least one resistance element is secured between the support frame and the padded platform for providing exercise resistance.

The exercise apparatus may include a mounting plate coupled to the support frame.

The exercise apparatus may include a fastening means having a vertical axis for connecting the bracket to the mounting plate and allowing the platform to rotate 365 degrees about the vertical axis.

The bracket may include a pair of upwardly extending sides having horizontally aligned apertures.

The titling means may include a channel member having a pair of parallel sides, a clearance space defined between the sides and horizontally aligned holes within the sides.

The exercise apparatus may include a fastening means having a horizontal axis, wherein the holes of the channel member align with the apertures of the bracket and are secured together by the fastening means along the horizontal axis, for allowing the platform to tilt about the axis of the fastening means.

The resistance elements may be springs.

In accordance with an additional embodiment, a method of exercising by a user is provided that include the steps of providing an exercise apparatus comprising a support frame, a padded platform pivotally connected to the support frame and having means for tilting the platform relative to the frame between a forward tilting position and a rearward tilting position. Means for connecting the platform to the support frame includes swivel means for rotating the platform 360 degrees. The steps of the method further include positioning the support frame on a flat surface. Then, resting at least one body part on the padded platform. Followed by performing an exercise utilizing at least the abdominal and core muscles in tilting and twisting motions by tilting and swiveling the platform to strengthen, contract or stretch the muscles.

The method of exercising may further comprise positioning at least one body part on the ground for stability and increased resistance.

The method of exercising may further comprise increasing exercise resistance by securing a spring between the support frame and the padded platform.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS

To these and to such other objects that may hereinafter appear, the present invention relates to an exercise apparatus for strengthening the abdominal and core muscles as described in detail in the following specification and recited in the annexed claims, taken together with the accompanying drawings, in which like numerals refer to like parts in which:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the preferred embodiment of an exercise apparatus of the present invention including a support frame pivotal connected to a padded platform;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the bottom and front of the exercise apparatus of FIG. 1, showing tubular support members of the support frame and a resistance element;

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the bottom and rear of the exercise apparatus of FIG. 1, showing a portion of the tilting mechanism and the resisting element;

FIG. 4 is a bottom plan view of the exercise apparatus of FIG. 1;

FIG. 5 is a bottom perspective view of the padded platform showing a channel of the tilting mechanism;

FIG. 6 is a bottom plan view of the padded platform of the FIG. 5;

FIG. 7 is a perspective bottom and front view of the exercise apparatus of FIG. 1, showing the padded platform, tilting mechanism, and connecting mechanism including a U-shaped swivel bracket;

FIG. 8 is a perspective top and front view of the exercise apparatus of FIG. 7, showing the U-shaped swivel bracket, ring and mounting plate of the connecting mechanism;

FIG. 9 is an exploded perspective view of the top and side of the U-shaped swivel bracket of the present invention;

FIG. 10 is an exploded perspective view of the bottom and side of the U-shaped swivel bracket of the present invention;

FIG. 11A is a front plan view of the support frame and connecting mechanism attached to the support frame of the present invention;

FIG. 11B is a rear plan view of the support frame and connecting mechanism of FIG. 11A;

FIG. 11C is a right side plan view of the support frame and connecting mechanism of FIG. 11A;

FIG. 11D is a top plan view of the support frame and connecting mechanism of FIG. 11A;

FIG. 12 is front perspective view of the exercise apparatus of FIG. 1, showing the swivel motion of the platform relative to the support frame;

FIG. 13 is right side perspective view of the exercise apparatus of FIG. 1, showing the tilting motion of the platform relative to the support frame;

FIG. 14 is a perspective view illustrating one approach to using the exercise apparatus of FIG. 1 to exercise abdominal and core muscles;

FIG. 15 is a perspective view illustrating another approach to using the exercise apparatus of FIG. 1 to exercise abdominal and core muscles; and

FIG. 16 is a perspective view illustrating yet another approach to using the exercise apparatus of FIG. 1 to exercise abdominal and core muscles.

To the accomplishment of the above and related objects the invention may be embodied in the form illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Attention is called to the fact, however, that the drawings are illustrative only. Variations are contemplated as being part of the invention, limited only by the scope of the claims.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The present invention illustrated in FIGS. 1-16 is directed to an exercise apparatus 10 for strengthening abdominal and core muscle groups of the body. In its broadest context, the exercise apparatus 10 includes a platform 12, a support frame 40 and means 50 for connecting the platform 12 to the support frame 40.

Referring to FIGS. 1-5, the platform 12 has a padded top 14 and substantially flat bottom 16. The padded top 14 is ergonomic, contoured and provides a comfortable cushion for lying, sitting or kneeling. The padded top 14 may be made of PVC foam, fabric, padded memory foam or other like decorative, durable, supportive, comfortable material. Referring to FIGS. 5 and 6, the platform includes a pair of opposed fastening plates 17 fixed to the bottom 16 with bolts 26 or other like fastening means. A tilting mechanism 18, preferably a substantially elongated channel member, is fastened perpendicularly to the opposed fastening plates 17. The channel 18 has parallel sides 20 and vertically aligned through holes 22 at each side 20. The bottom 20 also includes a hook 24 extending outwardly from the channel 18. Preferably, bolts 26 or other like fastening means secure the channel 18 and hook 24 to the bottom 16 of the platform.

Referring to FIGS. 7 and 8, a support frame 40 includes a pair of tubular support members 42, 44 rigidly attached to a pair of substantially parallel front and rear cross members 46, 48. The support frame 40 may be made of metal, wood, plastic or other like durable and strong material. Preferably, the cross members 46, 48 are attached to the tubular support members 42, 44 by welding, or other like means. The front cross member 46 includes an outwardly extending hook 49. The ends of each tubular support member 42, 44 include non-skid gripping feet 45, preferably made of rubber.

Referring to FIGS. 7-11D, the support frame 14 is securely attached to the padded platform by a connecting mechanism 50. Preferably, the connecting mechanism 50 includes a U-shaped bracket 52 having swivel means 60. Preferably, the swivel means 60 is a low friction bearing mechanism 60 rotating about a mounting plate 70.

Referring to FIGS. 9-11D, the bracket 52 includes a substantially circular base 54 having an opening 56 and a pair of upwardly extending spaced apart sides 58. The low friction bearing system 60 includes a substantially circular ring 62 integrally coupled to the base 54 of the bracket 52. Preferably, the ring 62 is made of metal, nylon, plastic or other like materials. The ring 62 of the bearing system 60 includes a retaining channel 64. A plurality of ball bearings 66 are disposed within the channel 64 and held between the mounting plate 70 and bracket 52. It should be understood that the number, size, and spacing of the ball bearings 66 can be varied according to the particular design.

The mounting plate 70 is attached to the front and rear cross members 46, 48 and bolted with bolts 26 or welded thereto. The plate 70 includes a centrally positioned plate hole 72 and a substantially circular groove 74.

The friction bear system 60 of the connecting mechanism 50 allows the platform 12 to swivel or rotate 360 degrees, illustrated in FIG. 12 by arrow 86, without the necessity of having to reposition the platform 12. Preferably, the connecting mechanism 50 is one integrally coupled mechanism having a centrally positioned vertical axis 51 or swivel bolt. Preferably, the opening 56 of the bracket 52 and opening 63 of the ring 62 are aligned. The swivel bolt 51 couples the bracket 52 and ring 62 to the mounting plate 70, such that the bracket 52 rotates about the axis of the bolt 51. In alternate embodiments, the bracket 52, bearing mechanism 60, ring 62 and mounting plate 70 may be selectively welded together, bolted together, some portions welded together and others bolted together, or any another like fastening means or combination thereof.

Referring to FIGS. 7, 9, 10 and 12, the tilt control mechanism is illustrated. The U-shaped bracket 52 has horizontally aligned apertures 68. The channel 18 of the platform 12 is secured to the bracket 52 of the support frame 40. In particular, the holes 22 of the sides 20 of the channel 18 are aligned with the apertures 68 of the bracket 52. A bolt 80, having an end 82, is inserted through the apertures 68 and holes 22. A nut 84 is threaded onto the end 82 of the bolt 80. As the nut 84 is drawn onto the bolt 80 the bracket 52 will move inward sandwiching the sides 20 of the channel 18. This causes a rotation of the channel 18 about the axis of the bolt 80, and rotates the platform 12 in relation to the support frame 40 in the direction of the arrow 88 shown in FIG. 13, from a first forward tilting position 90, depicted in sold lines, to a second rearward tilting position 92, depicted in dotted lines.

At least one resistance element 100, preferably a spring, is capable of controlling the tilting mechanism 18. Specifically, the spring 100 is attached to the hook 24 of the platform 12 and at least one of the tubular support members, preferably the first member 42 of the frame 40 for providing exercise resistance. When the platform 12 is in the first forward tilting position 90, the spring 100 is fully compressed. As the platform begins to tilt backwards toward the rearward tilting position 92, the spring 100 begins to uncoil and create resistance. A tension adjustment spool, not shown, may be coupled to the resistance element 100 to selectively control the resistance. The spring 100 is interchangeable with other springs, in order to provide a variety of different degrees of tension.

FIGS. 14-16 illustrate three examples of the present invention 10 in use. A variety of additional uses are possible and considered to form a part of the present invention. The user may exercise, strengthen, stretch, contract, engage, tilt, twist the muscles as desired. As shown, the user may sit, rest their back, or kneel on the padded platform to target particular muscle groups for exercise. The user may also rest their oblique muscles, knees, elbows, forearms, stomach, buttocks, or back on the platform. FIG. 14 illustrates the user sitting on the platform 14, tilting the platform substantially forward to the first position 90 and exercising abdominal or other like muscles. FIG. 15 illustrates the user lying with their back on the platform and tilting the platform substantially backward to a second position 92, preferably resting their head on a ground surface in order to achieve maximum isolation of the abdominal and core muscles sought to be exercised. FIG. 16 illustrates the user kneeing on the platform and holding the platform in a substantially neutral position between the first and second tilting positions 90, 92 respectively. Here, the user may rotate their knees and hips or upper body in order to swivel the platform and exercise a variety of abdominal, leg, back, buttocks, and core muscles. When completing each exercise, the user may selectively swivel, tilt or swivel and tilt the platform 12 into numerous position.

It will now be appreciated that the present invention relates to an exercise apparatus for strengthening the abdominal and core muscles. The invention is illustrated by example in the drawing figures, and throughout the written description.

It should be understood that numerous variations are possible, while adhering to the inventive concept. Such variations are contemplated as being a part of the present invention.

While only a limited number of preferred embodiments of the present invention have been disclosed for purposes of illustration, it is obvious that many modifications and variations could be made thereto. It is intended to cover all of those modifications and variations, which fall within the scope of the present invention as defined by the following claims. 

I claim:
 1. An exercise apparatus for exercising at least a user's abdominal muscles comprising: a support frame; a platform connected to said support frame and having means for tilting said platform relative to said frame between a forward tilting position and a rearward tilting position; and means for connecting said platform to said support frame, wherein said connecting means includes a swivel means for rotating the platform 360 degrees, wherein said platform simultaneously tilts and rotates relative to said support frame.
 2. The exercise apparatus of claim 1 wherein the platform is padded memory foam.
 3. The exercise apparatus of claim 1 wherein the means for connecting the platform to the support frame is a bracket.
 4. The exercise apparatus of claim 3 wherein the swivel means of the bracket includes a friction bearing mechanism having a plurality of ball bearings and a channel for retaining the ball bearings within the mechanism.
 5. The exercise apparatus of claim 1 wherein the support frame includes a pair of tubular support members attached to a pair of cross members.
 6. The exercise apparatus of claim 5 wherein the tubular support members include non-skid gripping feet.
 7. The exercise apparatus of claim 1 further comprising a resistance element frame for providing resistance to the tilting means.
 8. The exercise apparatus of claim 7, wherein the resistance element is at least one spring removably connected to the platform and support frame.
 9. An exercise apparatus for exercising at least a user's abdominal muscles comprising: a support frame; a padded platform having means for tilting said platform relative to said frame between a forward tilting position and a rearward tilting position; a bracket connecting said platform to said support frame, having means for swiveling the platform, wherein the swivel means includes a friction bearing mechanism having a plurality of ball bearings and a channel for retaining the ball bearings within the mechanism; and at least one resistance element secured between said support frame and said padded platform for providing exercise resistance.
 10. The exercise apparatus of claim 9 further comprising a mounting plate coupled to the support frame.
 11. The exercise apparatus of claim 10 further comprising a fastening means having a vertical axis for connecting the bracket to the mounting plate and allowing the platform to rotate 365 degrees about the vertical axis.
 12. The exercise apparatus of claim 9 wherein the bracket includes a pair of upwardly extending sides having horizontally aligned apertures.
 13. The exercise apparatus of claim 12 wherein the titling means includes a channel member having a pair of parallel sides, a clearance space defined between the sides and horizontally aligned holes within the sides.
 14. The exercise apparatus of claim 13 further comprising a fastening means having a horizontal axis, wherein the holes of the channel member align with the apertures of the bracket and are secured together by the fastening means along the horizontal axis, for allowing the platform to tilt about the axis of the fastening means.
 15. The exercise apparatus of claim 9 wherein one or more of the resistance elements are springs.
 16. A method of exercising by a user, the steps comprising: providing an exercise apparatus comprising a support frame; a padded platform pivotally connected to said support frame and having means for tilting said platform relative to said frame between a forward tilting position and a rearward tilting position; means for connecting said platform to said support frame, wherein said connecting means includes a swivel means for rotating the platform 360 degrees; positioning the support frame on a flat surface; resting at least one body part on the padded platform; and performing an exercise utilizing at least the abdominal and core muscles in tilting and twisting motions by tilting and swiveling the platform to strengthen, contract or stretch the muscles.
 17. The method of exercising of claim 16 the steps further comprising positioning at least one body part on the ground for stability and increased resistance.
 18. The method of exercising of claim 16 the steps further comprising increasing exercise resistance by securing a spring between said support frame and said padded platform. 